SPRINGFIELD – To protect renters from additional payment transaction fees, State Senator Rachel Ventura advanced legislation through the Senate that would require landlords to be more flexible with payment options.

“By requiring landlords to also accept cash or check, we help save Illinoisans from unnecessary transaction fees on their rental payments,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Some leases require 2-3% of rent to cover processing fees which adds a lot to an already high rent, so it is vital we ensure that we save residents money in any capacity we can.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura advanced legislation that would tackle surplus state-owned properties to save taxpayer dollars on their maintenance and upkeep.

“Our state has numerous state-owned properties that have either been vacant or unused, which in turn wastes taxpayer dollars,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This legislation will take both environmental and financial accountability on these surplus properties that have affected surrounding areas.”

Senate Bill 381 would require the Director of the Department of Central Management Services to assess surplus real property held by the state five years or more and determine whether the property is unsellable in its current condition.

JOLIET – State Senator Rachel Ventura recently announced that Joliet is set to receive $76 million from the Illinois EPA to enhance water infrastructure.

“To invest in our water infrastructure is to invest in our communities and their health,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “With these funds, Joliet can complete the work on replacing water mains that desperately need to be updated in order to decrease the water leaks into the ground.”

The Illinois EPA announced nearly $205 million in water infrastructure loans for local governments and water districts through this round of funding. Of the investments, Joliet received the highest amount, giving the city the ability to tackle its ongoing restoration and deterioration issues.